FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Author: FUFA

  • Uganda Super League reaping from 1968 Sand Foundation

    The foundation onto which club football in Uganda was built is made of sand and cannot sustain club football any further until we go back to the basics. The football administrators over 4-decades have not analysed the situation to build on what was started by the founders

    League Founder: Mr. Balamaze Lwanga (RIP)

    To understand my frustration, you owe to appreciate the Uganda Super League Formation History. The genesis of club football in Uganda was an idea copied from England by Mr. Balamaze Lwanga (RIP) and Rev Polycarp Kakooza (RIP). The puzzle came from the fact that Uganda had participated in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1962 and 1968 both held in Ethiopia without any significant competition for the top prize. Ultimately the intention of starting the Uganda Super League was to create a strong national team with players coming from teams playing throughout the year. The identification of players from the grass roots was going to be easier and systematic. This is as was told to your columnist by the late Balamaze Lwanga in 2008

    On the other hand, there were no clubs to form a league so institutions were contacted to form teams and in the far end districts were also convinced to create teams. The 1968 inaugural top flight league comprised of Prisons, Army, Coffee, Express, Jinja, Masaka, Mbarara and Mbale. These were 3 institutions, one club and 4 districts.

    There existed an illusion of a football league and it served the purpose as the Uganda Cranes qualified for the final of AFCON 3 times in the 70s with the epitome of 1978 when we lost in the finals to Ghana. I have also heard so many analysts claiming that we go back to the days of Lint, UEB, and Coffee as football teams. Personally I believe this is where the problems of clubs football in Uganda began. We banked on institutions which had the human and financial resource of the organisations to run football clubs yet the clubs did not develop their own structures and facilities. Coffee Marketing Board had the elite human resource, with excellent governance processes, with finances, with the office and training ground facilities but their main business was buying and selling coffee and when the times got tough, it was the football that was “dustbined”. All the history of this club went to ashes and nothing had been built or left of a club.

    Steven Bogere (Tobacco FC) sold feigns and dummies to commentators as well

    A professional football club on the other hand, comprises of a business unit whose ownership is clear, with finances, medical setup, stadium, offices, training grounds, youth setup, a sound senior team, a marketing arm, an event management function, a means to recruit and maintain a huge fan following and proper communication strategy to the fans, owners, employee, other football organizations and the entire public. Such an organization cannot be a department of another organization.

    Fast forward to the current situation, there are 10 institution and 6 individually owned clubs. Whereas UPDF, Prisons, Uganda Police consider their clubs in USL as a recreation arm of the forces, URA, BIDCO, National Water, Masaka, UTODA, KCC, and Fire Masters are looking at the PR mileage from these clubs for their core businesses. With due respect, Bunamwaya, Proline, Hoima and Victors are just football enthusiasts with the love for the game but still limited by resources and expertise. Left with Express and SC Villa as the only football clubs created for football purposes and it is not by accident that they are most supported clubs in Uganda but with random, unfocused, lacking the know-how and self-centred administrations over years, these clubs have equally been run down from continental giants to relegation survivors with a combined domestic league trophy drought of 23 years.

    In the current status quo, the USL club officials are a cocktail of Institution staff and “hang-arounds” holding out as club officials, club owners, club coaches, etc and this mixture do not hold the same agenda and consequently can never forge into the same direction. How representative is Lt. Tom Lwanga of Simba on matters of the club when decisions about the budget to run the club are done at another level? Will Kitandwe deliberate on cardinal issues of Bunamwaya without consultation? Mwebaze Asaph, Oyet Julius and sometimes Charles Ayeikho have represented their respective clubs. Do not get me wrong, these guys have done a huge role to feel the gap but that is how far it can go.

    I would imagine if the club owners forum had Brigadier Adda (Simba), Allen Kaginna (URA), Kale Kaihura, Lawrence

    Hassan Mubiru: The days when Express vs. Villa was the talk of town

     Mulindwa (Bunamwaya), Mujib Kasule (Proline), Katongole (UTODA), Jennifer Musisi or is it Lukwago (KCC), Col Bell (Victors) etc then real clubs business would be discussed. The challenge is that the institution clubs de-facto heads have no time for this kind of business and do not even appreciate this as one of their roles. This has benefitted the delegated persons to offer voting numbers required by at the whelm of USL, without the consent of clubs de-facto heads, in exchange of their petty personal satisfactions

    The way forward is to go back to the basics and create real football clubs. We need to properly address the ownership issues. Let the institutions move into owning companies called football clubs. Let the institutions, owners, name boards of directors who shall be tasked to pave for long term development of clubs with 10-20 years goals of creating self-sustaining entities.

    There must be a clear separation of roles of the owners, the employees (technocrats) and the customers (fans). There is no longer room for clubs owners to take over roles of the board and eventually the management. Uganda Police Force as the Owners of Uganda Police FC Ltd, need to appoint a board which may include other people from outside the Police Force. The Board shall be required to hire a CEO and Staff (full time and professional) to conduct the day-to-day business of the club

    Without laying strategies of fans development, there is practically nothing that will evolve on its own. Football income comes from fans. The Value of Media Rights, Sponsorships is directly proportional to the fan following. Gate collection and Sale of Merchandise are dependent upon fan following. FUFA and the USL have no means to mobilise fans for clubs. It must be the clubs themselves through long term strategies using strategic thinkers or outsourcing.

    Otherwise there is no club in Uganda with the moral authority to sack a coach for poor results. There is a lot lacking underneath for a coach to deliver a football result

      About the Author: Magogo is the Vice president of FUFA in charge of Administration and a FIFA certified Administration Instructor. Besides Football, he is a professional Engineer working with African Development Bank in Kampala City. He will be posting a weekly Topical Opinion of matters of subject every Friday)

     

  • 2011: A year of mixed fortunes-FUFA President

     

    FUFA President, Lawrence Mulindwa says despite the unfortunate Uganda's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, a lot has been achieved and strategies have been laid to register more success in 2012.

    Fellow Ugandans, Let me begin by thanking the Almighty God for bringing us this close to another New Year. I hope we all had a wonderful Christmas.

    FUFA pays its respect to all our departed colleagues. May their Souls Rest In Eternal Peace! As we come to the end of 2011, I wish to thank all of you for the immeasurable support you have given to FUFA. The year 2011 has been a year of mixed fortunes at FUFA.

    Achievements:

    FIFA Devpt Officer Ashford Mamelodi at Njeru Technical Centre mid December 2011. Mamelodi was impressed with the work done under the FUFA supervision

    • Njeru Technical Centre: FUFA completed the construction of the Njeru Technical Centre. The FIFA Development Officer for Africa, Ashford Mamelodi was impressed by the work done by my administration on this project.

      FIFA Devpt officer Ashford Mamelodi at Njeru for the final inspection on the Technical centre
    • U-23 Maputo: Uganda was represented at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique by our U-23 team.
    • International tournaments: Uganda featured in international tournaments like CHAN, Nile Basin Championship and the LG Cup in Morocco.
    • CECAFA: Uganda won a record 12th CECAFA title. Our Cranes team defied all odds and beat rivals Rwanda 3-2 on penalties after normal play had ended 2-2 in Dar-es Salaam.

      FUFA President consults his executive members during a retyreat at Entebbe in October
    • Administration, Finance and Communication: My administration reconstituted FUFA by bringing in more administrators to bolster football development in Uganda. New Standing committees were named. Several administrative and beach soccer courses were held to enhance the proper running of the game. We have continued to practice transparency and accountability at all levels which has won admiration of our local and international partners.  Our website www.fufa.co.ug continues to run smoothly and offers regular news of all FUFA activities. I encourage everyone out there to regularly visit this website.
    • Referees:  FUFA ensured that several referee courses were held to improve refereeing standards. Several refresher courses have been conducted throughout the country.
    • Coaches:  We have encouraged more coaches to take up national and international assignments. Courses have been held to improve the level of coaching and more will be held.

      Mujib Kasule (right) shares a happy moment with the FA President. Mujib was appointed new VP in charge of USL in November this year.
    • Uganda Super League: FUFA appointed Mr. Mujib Kasule as Vice President in charge of USL to streamline the proper running of the league and to ensure that the Jinja Declaration is adhered to by all stakeholders.
    • Sponsorship: We thank our sponsors MTN, Bell, NIC, Nile Breweries Ltd, Coca Cola, City Tyres, the government, and everyone who contributed towards our activities in 2011.
    • The Cranes: The national team has drawn alot of support from all quarters. We recorded a record turn out during the Angola, Guinea Bissau and Kenya AFCON 2012 games at Namboole Stadium. We thank our fans for the tremendous support.
    • Youth Football: Youth football continued to flourish under my administration. Uganda also impressed at the East African Secondary Schools Championships in Mbarara, with two Ugandan teams Kibuli SS and St Mary’s Kitende, reaching the finals. Setting up youth structures at all levels has been our priority. School games teachers were also trained.

      Crested Cranes Head Coach, Majda Nantanda giving instructions to her players shortly before they left for Egypt for the international friendly matches. Looking on is Lisa Berg from USA
    • Women’s football: FUFA continued to promote women football. A number of teams took part in this year’s FUFA Women Inter Regional Championship held in Fort portal. Lisa Berg, a woman Football technical consultant from USA is in the country to assist in the development of women football.  Our national team played two international friendly matches against Egypt in Cairo this December.

      Kampala Region Captain Bonny Baingana receives a trophy from the FUFA president in Tororo. Baingana now features for Express FC
    • FUFA- MTN Inter Regional Championship: FUFA held the MTN Inter Regional Championship in Tororo. This championship helps the federation technical team to tap raw talent. Current Super League prominent players like Bonny Baingana and Musa Mukasa (Express FC) and Goal Keeper Jamal Salim among others were identified from our last inter regional competitions in Tororo.

    Plan for the year ahead 2012

    • Cranes World Cup and Nations Cup qualifiers: Cranes will take part in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. We are in the same group with Angola, Senegal and Liberia in the world Cup qualifiers. Cranes will meet Congo Brazzaville away on February 29, 2012 in the Nations Cup qualifiers. The main challenge is funding.

      The Cranes team that lifted the 2011 Cecafa Tusker Cup in Dar es salaam
    • Youth Football: FUFA will continue to promote youth football by encouraging more teams to take part in youth tournaments like the COPA Coca Cola championship, the U-15 S1/S2 FUFA championship, U-16 Shell Championship and U-14 City Tyres Championship.
    • Women football: The Crested Cranes will host Congo in the African Cup of Nations Women qualifiers on January14 at Nakivubo Stadium. I encourage Ugandans to come in big numbers and cheer our team.
    • Njeru Technical Centre: We will soon officially open the Njeru Technical Centre. We thank FIFA, through our Regional Development Officer Ashford, for financing this project.

      President Yoweri Museveni visited the Cranes camp in October and he later promised to continue support the FUFA efforts of lifting our soccer to another level
    • Monitoring potential Cranes players: In a bid to strengthen our national team, FUFA is running an aggressive campaign of monitoring potential Cranes players locally and internationally. We will give these players a chance to feature for Cranes and in other national youth teams.
    • Marketing and sponsorship: FUFA will seek more sponsors for all our activities. Companies, individuals and government will be sought to support our national teams, Beach soccer, technical development, youth development and women football.
    • Administration and Communication: My administration will ensure that our local administrators continue to get international exposure through organising administrative courses. FUFA will seek more sponsors for our website to make it more attractive and widely visited.
    • Media symposium: FUFA, in conjunction with CAF and FIFA, will organise a Media Symposium in Kampala aimed at improving the standards of football reporting.

      Uganda has participated in a number of tournaments this year. The picture above shows Coach Bobby shortly after return Egypt for the Nile Basin Cup. Uganda finished second
    • Uganda Super League: FUFA will engage FIFA and CAF instructors to train our local club administrators on acceptable management standards. Many clubs are being run down due to inefficiency in administration.
    • International tournaments: Uganda will continue to feature in international tournaments to expose our players more on the international scene.

    Conclusion

    FUFA would like to thank the government, the State Minister for Sports Hon. Charles Bakabulindi, our sponsors, media and all our fans for the support you have accorded to the federation in the past year.

    We assure Ugandans that we are still very committed to the development of football in Uganda. Discipline of players, officials and all other members of FUFA will be paramount. FUFA will not tolerate indiscipline and violation of the Constitution and FIFA Statutes.

    I once again wish you a happy New Year.

    Live it Love it.

    Lawrence Mulindwa

    FUFA PRESIDENT

  • FIFA releases 2012 refs’ list

    Ugandan referees undergoing a fitness test in Namboole recently

    The world Football body, FIFA has released a list of 16 Ugandan referees for the award of international badges for the year 2012.

    The list has four male centre referees, one person less compared to the 2010 list. The changes in this category partly follows the voluntary retirement of Mohammad Segonga. He officially threw in the towel after his farewell game between URA FC and army side Simba SC in the Bell Uganda Cup finals in May this year.

    The male centre referees include Denis Batte, Ronnie Kalema, Ali Kalyango and Fredrick Ngobi Mfuta. Irene namubiru and Ssemambo Nabikko are the only two female centre referees. The list also has seven male assistant referees led by Hussein Bugembe, Khilifan Kanakulya, Samuel Kayondo, Yahaya Kitti, Musa Ngobi Balikoowa, Patabali Okello and Mark Sonko. Rehmah Kizito, Diana Mukasa and Marrex Nakitto Nkumbi are the three female assistant referees.

    Meanwhile FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa has warned referees against taking sides as they execute their duties. “The results of a game should not depend on you by showing sides but instead create a conducive environment for the best team to win” Mulindwa said. He was addressing referees at the federation headquarters on December 27.  (By Rogers Mulindwa, Head of Communications-FUFA)

  • 25 summoned ahead of Congo clash

    Crested Cranes' Head Coach, Majdah Nantanda will have to revise her notes carefully in order to guide her side past DR Congo in Nakivubo stadium, Jan 14/15

    FUFA technical desk has summoned a total of 25 players ahead of the Crested Cranes’ clash against DR Congo National team in the 8th Africa Women championship qualifiers.

    Uganda hosts Congo on January 14/15 2012 at Nakivubo stadium. The list released by the Federation Technical Director Asuman Lubowa has the majority of the players drawn from the team that travelled to Cairo recently for the international friendly matches.

    Nine of the invitees are Kampala based players that include Harriet Kayonjo, Gladyse Nakitto, Shamim Nantege, Rita Nakirijja, Christine Nambirige, Hadijja Nampijja, Fatuma Matovu, Winnie Nakato and Sylivia Nagawa.  Kampala are the current defending champions of the FUFA Inter-regional women competitions. They lifted the title from Fort portal in August this ending year after beating Eastern in the finals.

    Masaka Secondary Schools’ Dorothy Nakato, Naome Nagaddya and Mary Babirye are also on the list. St. Mary’s Kitende SS has only Joyce Mwebaze and Ritah Kivumbi invited for national duty. Agnes Nalunkuuma, a student from St. Marys’ Nabweru and Sylivia Nakazibwe from Edgars Youth program will also be part of the training squad.

    The squad that played against Egypt in Cairo, mid December

    Fatuma Luwedde, Stella Nassuna, Christine Wanyama, Viola Nambi, Betty Omega and Memorty Nampijja were selected from Buganda region. Others are Aidah Namuyomba, Zaina Namukasa (Eastern) and Sharlote Binsiima picked from the western region. The group starts residential training on January 2 next year at Kavumba recreation centre under the command of head coach Majda Nantanda. The Crested cranes played two international friendly matches against Egypt this month losing 4-1 and 1-0 in their first and second match respectively. Nambirige Chriustine scored Uganda’s only goal in Cairo city.

     

     

     

  • El Merreikh offers U$ 40,000 for Uganda’s Mutyaba


     

    Mike Mutyaba in action for the Cranes against Burundi Goal Keeper Niyonzima during the recently concluded Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup in Dar es Salaam.

    Bunamwaya Sports Club and Cranes gifted player Mike  Mutyaba on Tuesday December 20 officially signed a 2 year contract with Sudanese giant premier club El Merriekh following a successful medical tests conducted by the Omdurman based club doctors. Bunamwaya Club secretary, Haruna Kyobe confirmed the development.

    Mutyaba came to the lime light during the 2005 Copa Coca Cola schools cup where he played for standard high school Zana. He was by then a senior one student. His impressive performances during t

    he tournament caught the eye of Kato Lawrence by then chairman of Wembley boys FC who immediately recruited him in his club.

    In 2006, St Mary’s Kitende enrolled him as its student hence coach Golola Edward keenly monitored his progress before he recommended the boy for inclusion in Bunamwaya’s squad.

    Bunamwaya Sports Club acted by paying Ug. Shs.1.000.000 for his release letter from Wembley snatching the player from the jaws of Express FC who had also showed interest in 2007. It took Muty

    aba very little time to emerge a starter in Bunamwaya’s lineups.

    El Merriekh spotted Mutyaba during this year’s CECAFA Kagame Cup where he had a great tournament with 4 assists and scored a wonderful goal against Simba FC of Tanzania in a quarter final duel which Simba finally won 2-1. The Sudanese club wanted to sign him shortly after CECAFA Kagame Cup but the player instead traveled to Turkey for trials, hence missing out.

    As a blessing in disguise, Mutyaba’s Turkey dreams failed to materialize giving El Merriekh an opportunity to resurrected their pursuit of the player. Mutyaba is currently in Uganda for the Christmas festive season and attend to some domestic issues before he returns to Khartoum  City to kick start his professional career.

    Bunamwaya SC has reaped $25000 US dollars from the deal while Mutyaba earned $15000 US dollars as sign on fee. The media had earlier carried out speculations, putting the figure at 100,000 US dollars. A monthly salary amounting to $ 3000 US dollars will be paid to him subject to increment, basing on his performance at the club.

    He is also entitled to other benefits that include a fully furnished house, 1000 US dollars for every win registered in CAF club competitions, 200 US Dollars  for every Sudanese premier league win recorded by his club and a bonus of 10,000 US dollars if he scores more than 12 league goals in a season.

    Mutyaba becomes the second Ugandan player to play in Sudan following Kabagambe Joseph who appears  for Al Neel FC in the same league.

     

     

  • 3 Non League teams set for Bell Uganda Cup

    URA's Augustine Nsumba will be one of the players to watch during the Bell Uganda Cup season

    Three non league teams have registered with FCC to take part in the Bell Uganda Cup.

    FUFA Competitions Committee secretary, Decolas Kiiza has identified them as Corporate Eleven (Nakawa), Villa Fans (Makindye) and Green Boys from Mpigi DFA. Kiiza said these teams should be included in the respective DFAs in order to play the preliminary rounds.

    All regional preliminary rounds should kick off by January 12, 2012 in order to have the qualifying teams for the round of 64 on time. Kiiza further disclosed that the regional slots were allocated as follows. Kampala takes 8 teams followed by Buganda with 5, Eastern 4 and Bunyoro Kitara 3. North eastern, Mid North, Western and West Nile will each send two teams.

    The teams legible for the preliminary round include FUFA regional teams, First Division clubs, Second Division clubs and any interested non league club. The latter have to register with the FCC and be issued with the Bell Uganda Cup licenses. Meanwhile, the normal league licenses shall be used for this tournament. Simba SC are the defending champions of Bell Uganda Cup. (By Rogers Mulindwa, Head of Communications-FUFA)

     

     

  • Owen Kasule goes professional

    Bunamwaya SC and Uganda Cranes attacking midfielder Owen Kasule has finally realized his professional dream after completing transfer procedures to join one of Vietnamese V League top clubs, Hoang Ahn Gia Lai FC.

    Owen started his footballing career with first division Nakawa United where Coach Mayanja Jackson spotted his talent and recruited him into KCC during the 2006/07 mid season registration period.

    While at KCC, he formed a formidable partnership with the likes of Umony Brian, Ssentongo Godfrey, Kamoga Ronald, Senoga Sam and Mubiru Sam among other teammates, eventually winning the 2007/08 GTV sponsored super league.  George “Best” Nsimbe was in charge of KCC however, Owen didn’t stay at KCC to enjoy the fruits of his hard labour. He shortly joined Bunamwaya SC the following season missing KCC’s splendid performances in the 2009 CAF Champions league. The team played the likes of Ferrovario de Maputo and Super Sport United without Kasule’s services. 

    Owen continued with his impressive performances at Bunamwaya SC guiding the club to its first ever Super League trophy in 2009/10 league season with a contribution of 12 league goals and 10 assists. His performance earned him a national team call by head coach Bobby Williamson. Owen Kasule becomes the third Bunamwaya sports club player to ply his trade in Vietnam in a space of one year following earlier moves of Saddam Juma Ibrahim and Ceasar Samson Okhuti. Okhuti is however now back at Bunamwaya SC after his loan spell at Bin Dhong Vissal elapsed.

    According to Bunamwaya club Secretary Haruna Kyobe, the player signed a two year contract where he will be earning  5000 US dollars monthly on top of a winning 2000 US dollars bonus for every win Gia Lai posts in the V league. Further to that, Owen is entitled to 1000 US dollars for every league goal he scores and a well furnished apartment for his stay in Vietnam. Hoang Ahn Gia Lai has an attachment to English premier league club Arsenal “The Gunners” where players with exceptional talents are enrolled into Arsenal’s reserve team for trials.

    Bunamwaya SC has also pocketed 15000 US dollars from this transfer as a compensation for Owen’s last 7 months which had remained on his terminated contract.

  • Beach soccer course ends

    FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson and the Principal of Entebbe Institute of Fisheries Gertrude Obote pose for a group photo with participants at the training in Entebbe

    The one week training course for beach soccer coaches and referees successfully ended at Entebbe institute of fisheries, Friday evening. This was the first training of its kind in Uganda. Talib Hilal, a FIFA instructor and coach of Oman’s National Beach Football team together with Sunday Okayi from the Nigerian FA were the two selected instructors by FIFA to conduct this training starting December 12.

    FUFA Vice president in charge of technical matters Livingstone Kyambadde presided over the closing ceremony. Kyambadde hailed the world football body, FIFa for the choice of instructors sent to Uganda to conduct this course. He said the course would help propel the game of beach football to higher levels. “We shall soon start assembling a competitive national team” said the Vice President.

    Kyambadde added that the Federation would ensure close supervision of the trained persons to help them pass the acquired knowledge and skills to the targeted beneficiaries. The course that was officially opened up by the CEO, Edgar Watson has had 30 coaches and 27 referees successfully completing their course.

  • Football Administrators Should Instead Engage Government

    My Late Grandmother used to tell many folk stories but there was this one I remember vividly, that the Grasshoppers’ Mr. Right was the sun and would do anything to reach their Mr. Right. That is why up to now grasshoppers are trapped by giving them a false sun. While trapped in a container that is when they realize they are in a wrong place and should fight to find their way out. Instead of common effort, they resort to biting each other. I find this very synonymous with sports administrators in Uganda today

    FIFA's Mamelodi meeting USL and FUFA officials

    For starters, by 2004, Ugandan Football in general and FUFA in particular was synonymous with a ragtag downtown setting led by people clueless about the convergence of professional football and modern business practices, hugely indebted organization, a laughing stock shunned by players and the entire public with total collapse of rule of football laws.

    Not because I have been involved in the current administration but a lot of achievements have been made in the football industry compared to the situation in 2004. In very difficult circumstances, (Uganda is the only country where the National Football teams are funded by the Football  Association and not government in the whole world),  FUFA has converted Uganda Cranes from participants to competitors, built the image of the Uganda Cranes to the number one sporting brand in Uganda. A number of players have come through the ranks now ready to replace the old guards. A few challenges though still exist including qualification to AFCON and it should not be used as the overall rating but a mere key performance indicator.

    For example the euphoria that was built by FUFA around the Uganda Cranes in the wake of the Uganda-Kenya game did not result into qualification to the anguish of us all but with HE the President being usurped by the power of football euphoria of the moment did not only visit the camp but has ordered the Ministry of Finance to include an annual vote in the national budget of 350 Million UGX into football for the next financial year and thereafter. This is the first of its kind ever and will only get bigger and is here to stay. H.E the President has further directed the Rt Hon. Prime Minister to engage FUFA and the Ministry of Education and Sports on how government can help improve the sport in Uganda. Isn’t this a milestone achievement we should toast to? FUFA has eventually caught the attention of the powers that are

    The state of sports grounds-Mbale Stadium

    FUFA and generally the football industry do not have a capacity to own and construct football infrastructure. Some of the legislation is very old and not conforming to the times but in our country setup, how much can FUFA change this status-quo. Furthermore, the current economic turbulence has affected every walk of life and football is a recipient of the effects of the challenge. There is general moral collapse and patriotism in every walk of life in this country is at its lowest. The use of drugs by youth is getting more sporadic and where does football get these players from? In our very society we live in

    As the Uganda Cranes fell short again by a goal against Kenya to qualify for the AFCON 2012, a sizeable number has been defining this as failure and consequently need to change management at FUFA the body responsible for the development and preparation of the team. In football, many analysts will attribute this to a number of reasons and majorly to FUFA. My opinion is that, yes FUFA is responsible for Development to bring in players and also the preparation and co-ordination of activities to obtain a result but there are also factors that are beyond FUFA. For example the factors affecting society are not considered in this blame game yet football does not live in isolation. We have changed Football Administrations since 1978 using AFCON qualification as a yard stick but when are we going to wake up to scientific analysis of the matters?

     As FUFA, we would appreciate a positive debate onto matters to discuss with government to better the sport other than uncalled for blame games. How can we create long lasting solutions with the support of government now that FUFA has created an environment that has led to an audience with the highest office in the Country? What are the issues of concern that government should be engaged with to stimulate an otherwise sleeping giant of an industry?

     For Government, there is everything to achieve when Uganda starts a fully professional sports industry.

     The Diagram below demonstrates in summary the 11 players on a football pitch that the Government and indeed Uganda would benefit from running a vibrant fully professional sports industry

     In my opinion, we need government in the following areas;

     Infrastructure

    It is now evident that national disaster is about to happen now that Namboole cannot accommodate the Uganda Cranes fans and it is also true that the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers staring in June 2012 shall not be hosted at Namboole for not having numbered seats which is a minimum requirement. All playing grounds in the country are being overrun by “developers” and no replacements are being made.

    It is high time the GoU thought of modernizing Namboole and constructing a bigger and Modern Stadium like the neighbouring countries have done. Centralization of sports facilities such as Bugembe, Mbale, Kakyeka, Pece etc under an authority in the Ministry of Sports with government financial support to refurbish would take us miles. It is possible for the GoU to obtain a grant from Development Agencies like it was done for the Local Markets

    Click Here to see the Rwanda Government and FIFA Synergy in infrastructure development

     Legislation

    The Current Sports Legislation was done in 1964 and does not just fit in the modern times. The element of the professional approach to sports is missing. As we struggle to legislate the new Oil and ICT sectors, there is a new emerging professional sports industry than needs attention as well

     The Court of Arbitration of Sports as recognized by the laws of the republic of Uganda and to which all sports federations would subscribe to in their own statutes would take us miles from the court squabbles that never cease in sports

     Investment Incentives

    There have been many tax holidays and land extended to investments that the GoU considers to be budding and projected to accommodate many people in form of employment and/or business opportunities. How different is a fully professional Sports industry in Uganda different from these?

    Investor Conditions

    Elsewhere, investment license carry conditions of community social responsibility and sometimes sports sponsorships and funding attract reduced tax obligations. This pushes the private sector into funding the sports sector

     Sports Policy

    Representation of Uganda on the international scale should attract well stipulated rewards and facilitation directly by government. We should move away from rewarding athletes who have won accolades but we are seen nowhere while they prepare and it should not be the discretion of persons in position to reward but a policy and known processes of preparations and reward

     Financial Support

    The various sports federations require direct sports funding. Development of their human resource and their own administration structures would benefit from this funding. National Teams or Teams representing Uganda in the international competitions would require financial Support from Government

     Hosting an International Competition

    We are a nation and we can do it. We have seen so many nations poorer than us doing it. Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda etc have hosted international competitions and we have also hosted CHOGM. Is it not high time Uganda bided to host an international football competition? In the current setup, Uganda cannot even host CECAFA because FUFA would remain in millions of debts and why take weight but with government support, Uganda may be with Kenya or Tanzania, we can apply to host the Africa Cup of Nations 2019

     About the Author: Magogo is the Vice president of FUFA in charge of Administration and a FIFA certified Administration Instructor. Besides Football, he is a professional Engineer working with African Development Bank in Kampala City. He will be posting a weekly Topical Opinion of matters of subject every Friday)

  • Njeru Technical Centre very impressive-FIFA

    FIFA Development Officer Ashford Mamelodi being conducted around Njeru Technical Centre.

    “I am very satisfied, satisfied indeed. It’s a good work done” FIFA Development officer Ashford Mamelodi commented shortly after he had inspected Njeru Technical Centre on Wednesday morning.

    Mamelodi who is in the country on his routine visit had travelled to Njeru to assess the progress at the Technical Centre soon nearing total completion. He was in company of the Vice President in charge of Technical matters Livingstone Kyambadde and the CEO, Edgar Watson Suubi.

    The FIFA Development officer urged the federation to put the project to proper use in order to benefit the game of football. Mamelodi was conducted around the centre in presence of both the electronic and print media. They included both local and international journalists among whom, was the Super Sport crew.

    Mamelodi reacting to questions from the journalists at Njeru Technical Centre on December 14. Extreme right is FUFA CEO Edgar Watson Suubi

    Mamelodi commended both the contractors and the consultancy firm for the commendable job done.  He said this was one of the best Technical centres in the world.  The centre has a hostel that accommodates 45 people, a conference hall, and an artificial turf among other facilities. When asked whether, FIFA president Joseph Blatter would be here to officially open it, Mamelodi was non committal but promised to discuss the matter with him. “The FIFA President operates under a tight program. I shall put the request to him and if he doesn’t come, I am sure he will be well represented” Mamelodi responded to one of the questions from the journalists.

    In his communication, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson said the office of the Technical Director would shift from Mengo to Njeru shortly after the end of year festive season. He added that Njeru would mainly benefit the underage teams.

    (By Rogers Mulindwa-Head of Communications, FUFA)

  • FUFA rewards Cranes with U$ 20.000

    Celebrating Cranes

    The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has rewarded the gallant Cranes players with USD 20.000 (over UG Shs.50m) from the prize money they won after lifting this year’s Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup on Saturday.

    FUFA vice President in charge of Technical matters Livingstone Kyambadde who also led the delegation handed over the money to the players after consultations with the FA president Lawrence Mulindwa. Uganda won her 12th Cecafa title after eliminating Rwanda 3-2 on spot kicks.

    Kyambadde hailed the boys for the good fighting spirit exhibited throughout the tournament and commended the head coach Bobby Williamson for winning his third Cecafa title.

    Meanwhile midfielder Mudde Musa returned to Nairobi this morning while Mike Sserumaga, Sula Matovu, Robert Odongokara and Isaac Isinde are scheduled to connect direct to Addis Ababa from Dar es Salaam this Sunday.

    Cecafa General Secretary Nicholas Musonye said the next challenge cup could go to Nairobi in 2012 following Kenya’s interest to host it. The hosts of the club championship would be decided after the consultative meetings with the sponsors.

  • Uganda wins 12th Cecafa title

    Uganda are Cecafa champions 2011

    UGANDA lifted this year’s Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup after a post-match penalty shoot-out at the National Stadium of Dar es salaam City in Tanzania on Saturday.

    This becomes Uganda’s 12th title since 1973 and Coach Bobby Williamson’s third title since 2008. The Cranes came twice from behind to tie the match 2-2 after 90 minutes and after no scores in the extra-time, they took the title for the third time in four years by again coming from two penalties down to literally grab it in the pulsating finish.

    Uganda FA president Lawrence Mulindwa attended the thrilling finals. Meddie Kagere, a Uganda that acquired a Rwandese passport struck twice for Rwanda in normal time but each time Uganda came back, defender Isaac Isinde punishing the end of a blunder by Rwanda goalie Jean-Claude Ndori and then skipper Olivier Karekezi heading in an own goal from a Uganda corner. Rwanda, who were looking for their second title in the history of this challenge cup looked to have been more on pressure on the pitch than the widely experienced Ugandan side. Somali referee Wish Yabarow was the man in charge of the final game.

    Captain Mwesigwa receives the trophy from Zanzibar president Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein

    In the shoot-out, Uganda trailed after Moses Oloya and Habib Kavuma had both their kicks saved by Ndori but subsequently Rwanda’s Emery Bayisenge and Eric Gasana were unsuccessful with theirs handing the advantage to Uganda. Goalkeeper Abby Dhaira saved two penalties to earn Uganda a 3-2 win. This was Dhaira’s second Cecafa Challenge Cup after the 2008 tournament in Kampala where he conceded only one goal throughout the three week’s tight competition.

    From the beginning Rwanda played well neutralising Uganda’s power and speed approach. The Amavubi Stars were brilliant in their passing game and were disciplined in defence but also wasted a lot of time after their 1-0 lead. On the 51st minute, Jean-Claude Iranzi found Kagere with a perfect pass on the left flank and the delightful finisher approached Cranes ‘keeper Abby Dhaira from the edge of the box then beating him with a low shot to the far post.

    But on the day, Rwanda’s undoing was jittery goalkeeping by Ndori. The Ugandans seemed to realize it and kept bombarding him. Sula Matovu rattled the cross bar after Ndori had punched Kavuma’s free kick in his way on 73 minutes but four minutes later, another free kick from Kavuma found Oloya on the far post and his cut-back was ferociously volleyed in by Isinde Isaac inside to draw level.

    Rwanda went ahead again two minutes later with Kagere evading Kavuma and Isinde before beating Dhaira on his right for his second of the day. Uganda were level again to complete the crazy three minutes but this time Karekezi heading in his own net from a corner under pressure from Kiiza on 80 minute.

    In the classification match played earlier at 1:00pm, Sudan edged defending champions Tanzania Mainland 1-0 to win the bronze medal. Mohammed Shaikh Eldin scored the winner with a stunning striker six minutes from time to settle an entertaining encounter. Tanzania went closest on 76 minutes with Mwinyi Kazimoto rattling the upright with the keeper beaten.

    Then came the defining moment as Eldin, who had come as a substitute for the injured Amir Suleiman, collected a pass from the midfield and arrowed a powerful shot into the far corner from 25 yards. Zanzibari President Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein was the Chief Guest. (Posted by Rogers Mulindwa-Head of communications, FUFA)

  • Zanzibari President for Cranes clash

    Goal keeper Abby Dhaira will be up the task in today's finals

    The Cecafa organizing Committee has confirmed that the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein will be the chief guest as Uganda and Rwanda clash in the finals of this year’s Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup at the National stadium here in Dar es salaam City this Saturday.

    Somali Referee Wish Yabarow who officiated last year’s finals has again been handed another chance to handle this highly anticipated clash. He will be assisted by Egueh Hassan from Djibouti and Ida Mohamed from Sudan. Tanzania’s Israel Mujuni is the standby referee while Tariq Atta from Sudan is the designated Match Commissioner. Uganda will miss the services of Godfrey Walusimbi who picked up a second yellow card against Tanzania last Thursday.

    Coach Bobby Williamson

    Cecafa General Secretary Nicholas Musonye told a pre-match meeting last evening that the Zanzibari President had accepted the committee’s invitation to preside over the finals that will be showed live on Super Sport, Channel 9. The winners walk away with a cash prize of U$ 30.000 while U$ 20.000 and U$10.000 goes towards the first and second runner’s ups respectively.

    Rwanda looks to maintaining their unbeaten record in this tournament and their second title as the Uganda Cranes focuses on winning their 12th Cecafa title. Rwanda last won this challenge cup in 1999 when their side ‘B’ edged Kenya 3-1 in the finals in Kigali. They have however lost all their finals on away grounds while Uganda has won most of her titles away from home.

    In 2003, Uganda registered a humiliating 3-0 win against Rwanda in Khartoum City . In 2007, Rwanda still lost the title to Sudan on spot kicks here in Dar es salaam after a 2-all draw in the normal and extra time. The Cranes again flew over Rwanda’s Amavubi in 2009 when they met in the finals away in Nairobi. Uganda won 2-0. Team Captain Andy Mwesigwa has assured Ugandans that he would return to Kampala with a title on Monday.

    Hosts Tanzania will play Sudan in the classification game at 1:00pm before the final kick off at 3:30pm.

  • Misindye-Kwania clash pushed to Dec 17

    Isa Magoola-VP in charge of all competitions

    The Federation Competitions Committee has put off the Big League clash between Misindye and Kwania and pushed it forward to December 17.

    The FCC Secretary Decolas Kiiza said his office had received a request from Kwania Football club asking for a change in fixture due to the end of year examinations that will be going on at the Uganda College of Commerce around the same time. Kiiza said the reasons advanced to the committee were genuine since most of their players were students in this institution and would be writing their final examinations.

    “The Fufa Big League rules (G[1]) empowers my committee to take such decisions and the match will now be played on Saturday December 17 at Namboole stadium”. Kiiza clarified adding that the kick off time remained 4:30pm.

    This will now be the last match before we break off for the festive season. This Saturday, Boroboro Tigers host Ndejje University in Lira, Wandegeya travels to play Mbale Heroes and Kirinya hosts Soroti garage in Kakindu stadium. On December 15, Ndejje University will host Misindye, Sharing Youth plays Iganga Municipality, Old Timers will be visiting CRO in Mbale and Jinja Municipality will host Entebbe at Kakindu ground.

    Meanwhile on Thursday this week, Kwania lost 3-2 to Ndejje University in Luweero, Aurum Roses picked a 2-0 win away against Joggo Young, Koboko and Kira Young played to a goalless draw while Sharing Youth edged Kirinya 1-0. Elsewhere, Victoria University and Misindye shared points after a 2-2 draw, Soroti Garage lost their home game 0-1 to CRO, Jinja Municipality forced a 1-all draw against Wandegeya, Old Timers won 2-1 against Entebbe and Iganga Municipality beat Mbale Heroes 2-1.

     

  • Cranes make TZ Uhuru celebrations ‘half boring’

    Saturday: Tanzania Vs Sudan (1:30pm), Uganda Vs Rwanda (3:30pm)

    Emmanuel Okwi played his best game in this tournament.

    The Uganda Cranes will obviously be the major topic in Tanzania this Friday as natives gather to celebrate 50 years of independence. The long awaited celebrations got tainted yesterday when the home team lost 3-1 to a more focused Ugandan side in the last semi final of this year’s Cecafa Tusker challenge cup. Rwanda had earlier dumped Sudan 2-1 in the first semi.

    Both semi-finals were classics, Rwanda outpointing Sudan and Uganda, in the end, draining the energy out of Tanzania Mainland to win 3-1 in extra time. Therefore, on Saturday, Uganda will meet Rwanda in the Finals. It will be Rwanda’s fifth Final, their sole title so far having come in the inaugural one at home in 1999 when their “B” side [they had entered two] thrashed Kenya 3-1. Uganda looks for a 12th title since 1973. Mrisho Ngassa exploited his supreme pace to give Tanzania Mainland the lead after 18 minutes; chasing a long ball into no-man’s land to punish a stranded goalie Abby Dhaira.

    Serumaga took a corner headed home by Mwesigwa but he later got a yellow card prompting the coach to substitute him. Dhaira wanted to play his acrobatic skills by chest-controlling the ball that went   down  through his armpit as he dramatically stretched the hands. Mrisho ran fast behind him to push the ball into the net. Half time ended 1-0 but in the 56 minute, Cranes Captain Andrew Mwesigwa rose up above a bemused defender Shaban Nditi and powerfully headed in a beautiful equalizer from a corner taken by Mike Serumaga.

    The 90 minutes ended 1-1 before Uganda, who had been let off the hook on three occasions, ran away with victory, confirmed by a great goal from substitute Emmanuel Okwi and a penalty by Cranes defender Isaac Isinde. Both sides started the game with intent, Ngassa testing the Cranes ‘keeper Dhaira and Hamisi Kiiza giving Juma Kaseja in the Tanzania goal some work when he met Sula Matovu’s cross from the left in opening exchanges. The Matovu-Kiiza combination seem to have worked well in these last two games.

    But Tanzania started to take care of proceedings. First Juma Jabu escaped Mwesigwa’s marking with the goalkeeper to beat but shot over. The alarm bells continued ringing for the Uganda defence and the door had to yield to Tanzanian’s early pressure. The 90 minutes couldn’t however produce a winner, just like last year, and extra time had to be called on by the Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema.

    Shaban Nditi will rue contributing the miss of the tournament when he inexplicably headed off the line with Dhaira at sea before again firing wide a minute later. Okwi should have punished the Tanzanians on the other end but Kaseja, for the umpteenth time thwarted him. But when Simeon Masaba crossed from the right, Okwi jumped highest in the 102nd minute to head past Kaseja for a 2-1. Isaac Isinde sealed the win with a well taken penalty in the 110th minute.

    In the first semi final, only the veteran ‘captain marvel’ Olivier Karekezi could have forced the decider of this cliff-hanger. His spectacular goal 12 minutes from time knocked the breath out of Sudan. Karekezi controlled the ball, forced himself free from tight double-marking in the six-yard box to beat Sudan goalie Elmoiz Mahgoub from the narrowest of angles at the left near post. Rwanda had taken a first half lead through Jean-Claude Iranzi before Ramadhan Agab equalized in the second half.

     

  • Oman Instructor for Beach course


    Coming: Instructor Talib Hilal

    Talib Hilal, a FIFA instructor and coach of Oman’s National Beach Football team, has been picked by FIFA to conduct a week-long coaches’ course here in the Uganda starting on December 12.

    Talib, will be expected in Uganda on December 10 to commence with his work on Monday day. The Federation CEO, Edgar Watson commended the world football body FIFA, for the choice to send Talib whom he said had a vast experience in beach soccer that would widely benefit the local federation.

    A total of 30 participants have been selected to take part in this course, the first of its kind in the country. “It’s a good choice for us and we wait with eagerness to receive him” said Watson. Talib will be accommodated at Imperial Botanical Hotel.

    Under Talib, Oman has blossomed in beach football and their national team qualified for the 2011 FIFA World Cup Beach Soccer held in Ravenna, Italy earlier this year. The instructor conducted a similar course in Yemen in 2010.

    Last year, Oman Beach team finished on top in the inaugural GCC Beach Games in Bahrain. The same coach also led Oman to a gold medal win at the inaugural Asian Beach Games in Bali in 2008.

    Watson said the course would be conducted from the Fisheries Training Institute in Entebbe with the practical sessions at Lido beach. Beach soccer is two-year old Uganda with Kabalangala Rangers as the champions of this year’s league. (Posted by Rogers Mulindwa, Head of Communications-FUFA)

  • New Members named on FUFA Judicial Bodies

    As part of the on-going changes in the bodies of FUFA and considering the expiry of the term of the FUFA Judicial Bodies, FUFA has named new members of the  FUFA Legal Standing Committee and FUFA Judicial Bodies (FUFA Disciplinary & FUFA Appeals Committee).

    The FUFA Constitution, as guided by FIFA, requires some of the members of the Judicial bodies to have a legal background.

    Mr. Ojok Geoffrey Odur, a practicing advocate with Ambrose Tebyasa & Co. Advocates has been named as the Chairman of the FUFA Discplinary Committee.

    The others are:

    Mr. Daudi Balondemu, Advocate with Web Advocates and Solicitors as the Vice Chairman of the FUFA DC while Mr. Nyonyintono Asuman, an advocate with Wagabaza C.K. Advocates is the new Secretary.

    Mr. Kasalirwe Edrisa is the only member retained from the old committee while Mr. Lubega Jacob is the fifth member of the FUFA DC

    The Former Chairman of the FUFA Disciplinary Committee, Rev Canon Nsamba has been moved higher to the Appeals Body.

    The committees in full;

    FUFA Legal Committee
    1 Chairman Bazilengedde Mohammed
    2 V. Chairman Mayanja Bulamu
    3 Secretary Luganda Alex
    4 Member Byamukama Jude
    5 Member Nsimbi Francis
         
    FUFA Discplinary Committee
    1 Chairman Ojok Oder Geofrey
    2 V. Chairman Balondemu Daudi
    3 Secretary Nyonyintono Asuman Mulawa
    4 Member Kasalirwe Edrisa
    5 Member Lubega Jacob
         
    FUFA Appeals Committee
    1 Chairman Kiboneka Richard
    2 V. Chairman Canon Nsamba Bukenya
    3 Secretary Kunya Henry
    4 Member Ssekana Musa
    5 Member Ssekatte Elvis
         

  • Reserve League put to hold

    Mujib Kasule, VP in charge USL

    The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has directed that the kick off of the Uganda Super League Reserve competition be put on hold until some urgent requirements are fulfilled. The Federation has cited a number of irregularities in its organisation.

    Elsewhere, Uganda’s National Women Team now code named “Crested Cranes” will travel to Egypt next week for an international friendly match against the home side on December 14. The team is preparing for the 8th Africa women championship where they play DR Congo in January 2012.

    The USL Reserve league is a very brilliant idea but the issues to do with rules, licenses and logistics among others have not yet been put clear before the Federation. “It is a good product but the manner in which it was put in place will not serve the purpose. We do not want to push out a baby and it dies after just weeks,” Mujib Kasule, the FA Vice President in charge of USL said. The Federation doesn’t have any intentions to block the competition and it will be cleared as soon as our concerns are addressed by the organizers.

    Meanwhile Hoima FC have tendered in an appeal to the FUFA Appeals Committee on the financial fine imposed on them by the USL upon reinstating them in the Premier League. The appeal is on the UG Shs. 30m required of them by USL as a fine. The Appeals Committee chaired by a Kampala prominent Lawyer Richard Kiboneka sits soon to pronounce itself on this appeal.

    Contrary to FUFA directive for Busia-based merger club to be accepted in the top flight competition, USL last week kept them out of action arguing that they had failed to pay sh32m as required by the organizers. This provoked Hoima to petition FUFA for an intervention.
    The club had reportedly presented a Kenyan bank cheque as commitment to USL chairman Kavuma Kabenge just before the deadline, which he rejected and demanded for cash on their account.
    In another development, a referees’ fitness test will be conducted for referees who will officiate the Super League matches. It is scheduled for Saturday 10th December 2011 starting 7:00am in Mandela National Stadium. The exercise will be conducted by FRSC in presence of Fitness Instructor Haruna  Kebba Haruna. Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson warned that no referee would be appointed to handle a league match without passing this fitness test.

    (By Rogers Mulindwa-Head of Communications, FUFA)